States bail out struggling fishermen

Thursday 17 April 2014

Jersey's commercial fishermen have been thrown a life-line by the States to help them recover from losses caused by so much bad weather this winter.

The States have agreed to pay their harbour dues and mooring costs for the rest of the year and will cover some of their other costs both this year and next.

And if she can find the funding, the Assistant Minister for Economic Development wants fishermen to be given grants to help them repair their lobster pots damaged in recent bad weather. Her proposal could see them receiving grants for up to 80% of the cost of replacement and 20% of the cost of repair of their pots that get lost or broken.

Deputy Carolyn Labey has sent a letter to all the Island’s commercial fishermen saying her department are also set to start a long-term review of the industry.

Deputy Labey said: “Our local fishermen have endured hugely adverse weather conditions and crippling losses during the past year. The fishing industry is extremely important to our Island, not only in economic terms but also by adding to our tourism offering and the culture of our Island.

“I am determined that government should show how valued the industry is by providing short-term relief to those affected and by undertaking a longer piece of work to look at exactly how we can help to support their future.”

Other measures planned to help the industry include meetings between commercial fishermen and officials from Social Security, discussions between the Jersey Fishermen’s Association and Genuine Jersey Products Association. The department are also working with the JFA and other industry representatives to commission and develop a long-term business development strategy for the industry.